EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon’s high school graduation rates are the fourth worst in the entire country, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

According to that report, Oregon is tied with Alaska at 68 percent when it comes to four-year graduation rates for the class of 2011.

The report also revealed that Oregon high schools generate far-above-average dropout rates for students of every racial and ethnic group.

Oregon also has the worst graduation rate for white students, reaching only 70 percent.

Parents, and even those without kids, say they’re worried this could eventually affect everyone.

“I think in the long run it’s going to have a big impact on the state of Oregon, because we need people who will be able to work and be productive and to get involved in the community,” said parent Pam Strutz.

The Springfield School District had one of the worst on-time graduation rates, sitting at 62 percent. The 4J School District’s rate was 71.2 for the 2010-2011 school year.

Some administrators weren’t completely surprised by the news, but all say they’re committed to changing those numbers and helping all their students succeed.